Cardiff Crunch To Split Squad?

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has admitted that advancing age may mean Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales is the last time his current squad lines out together.

Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has admitted that advancing age may mean Saturday's Six Nations clash with Wales is the last time his current squad lines out together.

While team manager Brian O'Brien will definitely have his international swansong at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, bowing out after five years at the helm, a couple of Ireland's veteran forwards may be foreseeing a similar scenario.

"It's a reasonable proposition to think this might be the last time we see this squad together. Age means some players are nearing the end of their Test careers," said O'Sullivan.

"After the Lions tour it will be time for less experienced players to make the transition into Test rugby, but we have to make sure the players we are bringing in are better than who we have at the moment."

Particularly in the front row, Ireland have had a consistency at the highest level which has been envied by the world's top sides.

The trio of Reggie Corrigan, Shane Byrne and John Hayes have started in all four of Ireland's Six Nations matches this year - a consistency only rivalled by Celtic cousins Scotland and Wales in the tournament.

34-year-old looshead Corrigan is the eldest - having made his debut against Canada in 1997 and lined out in 24 of Ireland's last 26 Tests.

Having made the Ireland bench in 1996, Leinster hooker Byrne (33) waited a full five years before making his international bow against Romania. Wales will be his 14th Test out of the last 15.

19 stone tighthead Hayes (31) - who equals his former Munster team mate Peter Clohessy's haul of 54 caps in Cardiff - has taken in 20 consecutive Tests since recovering from a groin injury in 2003. The Bruff bruiser scored his first international try for 2-and-a-half years against Scotland last month.

All three are still in with a shout of making the British and Irish Lions touring party - announced on April 11 - but the circumstances of age are certainly narrowing their options.

Although it's interesting to note that the world's most-capped player Jason Leonard retired at 35 years-of-age last year - number 8 Anthony Foley may also be considering his options post-Six Nations.

14 straight Test matches have followed for the 31-year-old Shannon legend -Ireland's longest serving current international - since the 2003 World Cup - and only England's Martin Corry - also 31 - has matched him in serving years as a direct opponent in this season's tournament.

Foley has faced the new wave of young international number 8s in the last five weeks - Italy's Sergio Parisse (21), Scotland's Allister Hogg (22) and Brive and France back row Julien Bonnaire (26).

Wales captain Michael Owen (24) lies in wait for Saturday.

O'Sullivan has promised Owen and co. "one hell of a battle" as the Dragons aim for their first Grand Slam since 1978, with Ireland still harbouring Triple Crown and Championship hopes.

"Wales have played the rugby of the championship - they've been outstanding right the way through, especially in attack where they have torn sides to shreds," added the Lions assistant coach.

"They are on a roll and confidence is very high. Wales have always had fantastic footballers. It's their national sport and at the moment they're playing like there's no tomorrow. We all had it in the back of our minds at the start of the Championship that Wales were the danger team.

"To win in Cardiff, in front of what is going to be a partisan Welsh crowd, is a massive challenge.

"But we believe we can win if we get things right. This Welsh team is going to take some beating but we will go there and given them one hell of a battle."

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt praised the squad's 'immense character' following the 27-24 GUINNESS Series success against Australia. Meanwhile, captain Rory Best reflects on 'an emotional day' as he made his 100th appearance for his country.

Irish Rugby TV brings you a behind the scenes look at Ireland's final GUINNESS Series game against Australia. Joe Schmidt's men marked captain Rory Best's 100th cap with a superb 27-24 victory over the Wallabies.

Saturday's GUINNESS Series clash with Australia marks Michael Kearney's last game as Ireland team manager. We spoke to him about five memorable years in the role. Watch out for a couple of special cameos!

We're ready to create something legendary. A showcase for rugby nations old and new. A tournament that will grow the game globally, promote the values, spirit and ethos of rugby and will capture the world's imagination. #Ireland2023 - Liam Neeson gives voice to Ireland's bid to host Rugby World Cup 2023.

Tickets are now on sale for the first ever Women's November International Series to be held in the UCD Bowl. Kids go free with any adult tickets. Ireland will face world champions England, top ranked Canada and the Black Ferns of New Zealand.

Tournament Director Garrett Tubridy sets the scene for an exciting weekend of rugby at UCD where 16 Women's Sevens teams will battle it out at for one qualifying spot for the Rio Olympics. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie/sevens.

Tadhg Furlong reflects on a disappointing day for Ireland against South Africa. However, he will take positives from his first Test start and be ready to build for the final match of the series in Port Elizabeth.

Paddy Jackson is preparing for Ireland's second Test against South Africa on Saturday (kick-off 5pm local time/4pm Irish time). The Ulster out-half has been checking out Ellis Park in advance of the match.